Thursday News

We have another article out of Wenatchee this week. Boy, where do I begin? Bobby Brett is either completely out of touch with the realities of the NAHL, or is spewing HUGE chunks of propaganda needlessly to protect his WHL franchise in Spokane. Don't get me wrong, I have some issues with the idea of placing an NAHL team in Wenatchee too, but Brett's arguments are not based in reality. But Brett said airline travel isn't feasible for any franchise at that level because of the costs. And because the NAHL considers Wenatchee a remote location, the league has said that a Wenatchee team would have to participate in a travel subsidy program that would add $100,000 to the franchise's budget. "To be financially successful in minor-league sports, you have to be on a bus," Brett said, noting WHL teams use buses to travel. "I can't even imagine the amount of money it costs to fly." Brett seems completely oblivious to the fact there are already three NAHL teams in Alaska doing this already. Brett sees other problems with the Wenatchee market — including the lack of television coverage. The Spokane Chiefs are scheduled to receive live TV coverage in at least half a dozen of their home games this season in a market that has four networks. Wenatchee doesn't have a TV station. Probably half the NAHL markets don't get any TV coverage, and most probably don't get it on a regular basis (certainly not like what Brett's team gets in Spokane). And, I suspect the NAHL probably gets MORE TV coverage than the Canadian Tier II leagues. I can't image Brett trying to protect Spokane. Wenatchee is nearly three hours away, and so he's not going to lose any fans to an NAHL team there. In other news... Here's a another piece on the USHL coming to Wausau, this time by the local TV station (no vid clip, however)... More on the resignation of Canmore head coach/GM Bob Miller... QMJHL to give Montreal another shot (how do you kill a zombie?)... Verdun Borough expresses confidence in being able to once again welcome junior hockey to the auditorium... No further sanctions levied upon Remparts... Repik talks, Giants look again at BCHL and other stuff... Merrett steps into big skates for Niagara IceDogs... Getting personal with Peterborough head coach Vince Malette... BCHL cranks up marketing effort... Waywayseecappo Wolverines on way up... Saskatoon defenceman boasts most powerful shot - 97-m.p.h. blast wins shooting contest... Washington Junior Capitals defenseman Puderbaugh doesn't mind being offensive... Slumping Traver City North Stars try to keep upbeat... Pats becoming tough team to beat... Former Pat Nick Ross gets an 'A' from Kamloops Blazers... Boyes stirs fans' memories at Erie number retiring...